Southwest Archaeology Today for Sept. 22, 2006

Archaeology making the news – a service of the Center for Desert Archaeology.

– El Camino Center Celebrates Cultural Ties With Mexico: The historic and cultural connection between New Mexico and Mexico will be celebrated this Saturday, as the El Camino Real International Heritage Center takes part in a statewide observance of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of New Mexico State Monuments.
http://www.stpns.net/view_article.html?articleId=10247621026541706

– The Center for Desert Archaeology Presents a New Exhibit at Casa Malpais: As part of a long term partnership with the Town of Springerville, the Center for Desert Archaeology is completing both a stabilization and preservation effort for Casa Malpais and with generous support from the Arizona Humantites Council, a new series of interactive exhibits to explore the Art, Architecture and Archaeology of this fascinating site. On September 23rd Springerville will be celebrating a local heritage day featuring archaeological tours, a rededication and interpretive program of a “Madonna of the Trail” Statue by the Arizona Daughters of the American Revolution, and a grand reopening of the Casa Malpais Museum and Visitor’s Center. The presentation of the new exhibits will begin at 6:00 at the museum, which is located at 318 E Main Street in Springerville.
http://www.cdarc.org/pages/what/exhibits/visit/casa_malpais_heritage_celebration.php

– Ancient ruins at Marana park site: Archaeologists hope to dig one last time at a future Marana park site that has yielded several thousand prehistoric artifacts, some that predate pottery. A final excavation season could begin next month at the Yuma Wash site, located just north of the intersection of Ina and Silverbell roads along the Santa Cruz River. Archaeologists in 1999 began excavations on the site, once home to a large settlement of Hohokam Indians.
http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2006/09/20/marana/marana01.txt

– Site stewards the sentinels of desert antiquity: When Valerie Davison found a tiny, faded, plastic soldier that resembled one her little brother played with on their family farm about 50 years ago, it stopped her in her tracks. She was hiking with friends near the remains of a cabin in a remote part of the Rincons. The little soldier, half buried in the dirt, charmed her. Nearby lay an arrowhead, but Val knew better than to touch the items. Val and her hiking companions are volunteer site stewards. Their job is to preserve the artifacts of history and prehistory in and around Tucson. Surprisingly enough, that can include plastic soldiers from the mid-20th century. Val, a retired administrator from the Amphitheater School District, is one of a cadre of trained volunteers throughout Arizona who watch over known sites of historical interest.
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/daily/opinion/26756.php

– Groundbreaking for Arizona Archives and History Building (editorial): With the turn of a shovel today, Arizona is finally on the way to protecting the priceless and irreplaceable records of our history. It’s the groundbreaking for the Polly Rosenbaum Archives and History Building, which will have state-of-the-art facilities to store and repair our heritage.
http://tinyurl.com/pau5h (Arizona Republic)

– On the cover : A walk down memory ave: A history of Mill Avenue, Tempe, Arizona.
http://www.statepress.com/issues/2006/09/21/arts/697818

– WNPA October events – call for reservations, programs often fill quickly – (520) 622-6014. Western National Parks Association Store, 12880 N Vistoso Village Drive, Tucson, AZ.
Saturday, October 14 at 12:00 Noon and 2:00 PM, SEVEN RIVERS ROCK ART OF KAZAKHSTAN, presented by Claire and Bob Rogers.
Saturday, October 21 at 2:00 PM only!! RAIN: THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER TO NATIVE AMERICANS, presented by Edna Weinberg of the Heard Museum.
Saturday, October 21 at 12:00 Noon only!!! THE HOHOKAM AND O’ODHAM, presented by Marilyn Brooks of the Heard Museum.